In his first-ever interview, the sole Australian survivor of the Waco siege has revealed to 60 Minutes what really took place during the 51-day stand-off, and why he believes crazed cult leader David Koresh will one day return to Earth as the son of God.

Australia's best and brightest honoured

Hollywood star Cate Blanchett and the man who brought Qantas back to life are among those being recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours this year.

The big names are among a list of almost 900 Australians being recognised on Monday.

Qantas boss Alan Joyce, who recently copped a pie in the face by a protester railing against corporate support for same-sex marriage, has been appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for his service to gender equity and diversity.

Despite the attack, and pressure from senior federal government figures, the Irish-born businessman has refused to back down on Qantas' public support for gay marriage.

He's also been recognised for his services to the aviation and tourism industries, after turning around the flying kangaroo's fortunes from a record loss in 2013/14.

Award-winning actor Blanchett has also been recognised for her service to the performing arts, as well as her support for humanitarian and environmental causes.

Meanwhile, fashion designer Collette Dinnigan has been appointed an Officer (AO) in the General Division for her work as a designer and entrepreneur, and a supporter and promoter of Australian wool.

Some of the lesser-known recipients include the winemaker behind Penfolds Grange, Peter Gago, for his service to the wine industry and the community of South Australia.

There's also NSW couple Ian and Christine Lofts, presented with the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for their half-century of service to foster children.

The pair have fostered nearly 400 children in 50 years, including a two-day-old baby, children with special needs and hundreds of others from various backgrounds.

"We just can't believe that we've been nominated for something that Ian and I just love so much in our everyday lives, we just find that incredible," Christine Lofts told AAP.

"It has totally enriched our lives."

There's also bittersweet recognition for veteran gay rights activist Peter Bonsall-Boone, who died just weeks before receiving the honour after a long cancer illness.

The 78-year-old, known as Bon, and his partner Peter de Waal have been appointed Members of the Order of Australia (AM) after decades of tireless work as advocates for the gay and lesbian community.

Mr Bonsall-Boone worked for a decade through the 1980s helping young men with AIDS in their final stages of life.

Mr de Waal said his partner was thrilled about the nomination and lived to find out he was going to receive the award.

But he wasn't completely satisfied when he died.

"Bon certainly died being very disappointed that we were not able to be married, and to wipe away the label we were carrying for all those years in different ways under different circumstances as second-class citizens," Mr de Waal said.